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HIV Treatment Options
Treatment of HIV is a balance of attitude and action. Learning how therapies work, possible side effects and figuring out if you’re ready can help when you talk with your doctor. Until you need medication, eating well, getting lots of rest and reducing stress go a long way. If you use drugs, making it safer will help you stay healthy.
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are a number of different drugs that slow its progress. These drugs are called antiretrovirals (shortened to ART). ART can improve quality of life and the length of your life as well.
How do HIV treatments work?
HIV invades healthy cells in the immune system, makes copies of itself, and then sends the copies out to infect more healthy cells. This is a multi-step process. A combination of antiretrovirals (also known as combination therapy or Antiretroviral Therapy) is used to interrupt the replication of HIV at different stages of the process. This controls the virus longer than one drug alone can, because HIV can develop resistance to the effects of medication. If HIV cannot infect new cells and make copies of itself, its strength in your body weakens and your immune system can become stronger.
Possible Side Effects
There can be side effects to antiretroviral drugs. Some people will tolerate them more easily than others. Side effects usually occur in the first month or two of treatment and lessen over time. If you are starting on treatment, ask your doctor what to expect and how to manage the side effects. Tell your doctor about anything you do experience. It may be possible to switch medications. Don’t ever stop taking your medications without first talking to your doctor.
Common side effects:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- skin rash (some rashes can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction, so talk to your doctor promptly if they develop)
- headaches
- strange dreams
- loss of appetite
- weight gain or loss in certain areas of the body (gain in breasts and belly; loss in face, arms, and legs)
Women may react differently than men to some drugs. Ask your doctor about the drugs he or she suggests: is there information about how they might be different for women? More men than women take part in research on new drugs, so we don’t know all the reasons why women may respond differently.
Lifestyle Changes
Taking your medication around the same time every day keeps the amount in your body consistent. This is essential in avoiding resistance. If you’re someone with an unpredictable schedule, this could be a challenge. Some medications are more forgiving than others, so talk to your doctor realistically about the schedule and challenges you imagine. If you don’t take your medication on a regular schedule, HIV can become resistant and your options for treatment are limited.
Antiretrovirals and Complementary Treatments
While ART is the best option to control HIV, some people use complementary or alternative therapies. Complementary (used alongside drug options) or alternative (instead of drug options) therapies come in different forms. They include:
- vitamins
- herbal remedies
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- acupuncture
- yoga
- massage
- meditation
- visualization
For more detailed treatment information, check out the website of the CATIE, a fantastic, detailed site with up to date info (and a friendly phone-in line if you’d rather connect with someone live).
Also on this website:
- HIV, Complementary and Alternative Therapies
- HIV Treatment Decision Making
- You and Your Doctor
- HIV Treatment and Street Drugs
- Safer Drug Use
- HIV and Nutrition
- HIV: Your Body
- HIV Glossary
- For more in-depth information on treatment, visit CATIE
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